Charity ball in memory of Rasen mum

More than 160 people turned out to pay tribute to a Market Rasen mum and raise money for the hospice that cared for her in her final days.

Irene Larder was admitted into the hospice in November 2011 after being diagnosed with terminal pancreatic cancer the previous month.

She celebrated her 69th birthday in the hospice, before dying on December 6 2011.

Now, a total of £13,895 has been raised for St Barnabas Lincolnshire Hospice and Pancreatic Cancer UK from a charity ball held in Irene’s memory.

The charity ball was organised by her daughters, Diane Bell and Sharon Yell, who spent a year planning the event.

“We were keen to organise the ball because we wanted to give something back for all the wonderful care we had received as a family, said Diane.

“That was the unique thing about St Barnabas Lincolnshire Hospice, they didn’t just look after Mum, they looked after the whole family.

“Mum spent three weeks in the hospice and the care Mum received was second to none and best of all they kept her dignity throughout.”

The black tie event at Louth’s Kenwick Park included raffles, music and a three course meal, as well as an auction with donated prizes such as an afternoon at a Premier League football ground, motor racing hospitality and pamper sessions.

And the total raised is being further boosted by Diane’s employers, TSB, through their Match Giving initiative.

“This is the first time we have ever planned an event and we were lucky to have the help of our family and friends; they understood how important it was for us to be able to give something back,” added Sharon.

“If I’m completely honest, in the beginning I didn’t want Mum to come to St Barnabas Lincolnshire Hospice because I was frightened of what lay behind those doors. I soon realised there was no reason to be frightened and the staff there instantly put us all at ease.

“We soon came to feel very safe at the hospice and very cared for.

“The nurses there were simply wonderful and we started to think of them as our friends. They understood the complex emotions we were experiencing and encouraged us to talk about how we were feeling. They really empathised with what we were going through.”

“The onset of the disease was very sudden and Mum deteriorated extremely quickly,” said Diane.

“It was hard to watch, but the Doctors at the hospice took the time to explain to us what was happening and what to expect as Mum’s condition worsened.

“Most importantly they were always very honest with us; we knew exactly what was happening at all times.

“There is nothing quite like St Barnabas Lincolnshire Hospice.

“Nothing was ever too much trouble and they cared for Mum with such unbridled depths of compassion.

“For that reason alone we will always support them in any of our fundraising efforts. We just want be able to repay them for their care and kindness.”